Virginia gardeners typically plant cabbage in March for a June harvest before summer heat arrives. Knowing the best time to plant cabbage in virginia is key to getting a good crop. Cabbage loves cool weather, so timing your planting around the frost dates is essential for success.
In Virginia, the climate varies a lot. The mountains in the west stay cooler longer, while the coastal areas warm up faster. This means your exact planting window will depend on where you live in the state. But don’t worry, we will break it all down for you.
This guide covers everything you need to know about planting cabbage in Virginia. We will talk about spring and fall planting, soil prep, and how to avoid common problems. Let’s get your cabbage patch started.
Best Time To Plant Cabbage In Virginia
The absolute best time to plant cabbage in Virginia for a spring harvest is 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost. For most of Virginia, this falls between mid-March and early April. For a fall harvest, you want to plant in late summer, about 6 to 8 weeks before the first expected frost.
Here is a quick breakdown by region:
- Coastal Virginia (Tidewater): Last frost around March 20-April 10. Plant cabbage transplants in mid-to-late March.
- Central Virginia (Piedmont): Last frost around April 10-20. Plant transplants in late March to early April.
- Western Virginia (Mountains): Last frost around April 20-May 10. Plant transplants in mid-to-late April.
For fall cabbage, count backwards from your first fall frost date. In most of Virginia, that is around mid-October. So plant your fall cabbage seeds in early to mid-August.
Understanding Virginia’s Growing Zones
Virginia spans USDA hardiness zones 5b in the mountains to 8a in the southeast. This affects your planting calendar. Zone 5b gardeners have a shorter growing season, so they need to start seeds indoors earlier. Zone 8a gardeners can plant a bit earlier in spring and later in fall.
Check your specific zone online if you are unsure. Your local county extension office is a great resource for exact dates.
Spring Planting: The Main Event
Spring is the most popular time for cabbage in Virginia. The key is to get the plants in the ground while the weather is still cool. Cabbage seeds germinate best when soil temps are between 45°F and 85°F. Transplants handle light frosts just fine.
Here is a step-by-step plan for spring planting:
- Start seeds indoors: 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date. Use seed starting mix and keep them under grow lights or in a sunny window.
- Harden off transplants: About a week before planting, start putting them outside for a few hours each day. Gradually increase the time. This reduces transplant shock.
- Prepare the soil: Cabbage needs rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Add compost or aged manure a few weeks before planting.
- Plant transplants: Space them 12 to 24 inches apart, depending on the variety. Bury them up to the first set of true leaves.
- Water well: Give them a good soak after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Fall Planting: A Second Chance
Fall cabbage often tastes sweeter because the cooler weather concentrates the sugars. The trick is to time the planting so the heads mature before a hard freeze. Cabbage can handle light frosts, but temperatures below 25°F can damage the heads.
For fall planting, you can direct sow seeds in the garden or use transplants. Direct sowing is easier because you skip the indoor step. Just plant the seeds 1/2 inch deep in the soil.
Here is a fall planting timeline for Virginia:
- Direct sow seeds: 10 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost. In most of Virginia, that is late July to early August.
- Set out transplants: 6 to 8 weeks before the first fall frost. That is mid-August to early September.
Choosing The Right Cabbage Variety
Not all cabbages are the same. Some mature faster, which is helpful for Virginia’s variable weather. Here are some good choices for the state:
- Early Jersey Wakefield: A classic heirloom that forms pointed heads. It matures in about 65 days and is great for spring.
- Golden Acre: A compact, early variety that is perfect for small gardens. Ready in 60-70 days.
- Stonehead: A hybrid that is very disease resistant. It produces solid, round heads in about 70 days.
- Red Acre: A red cabbage that adds color to your garden. It takes about 75 days and stores well.
- Savoy King: A crinkly-leafed savoy type that is very cold hardy. Great for fall planting.
Soil Preparation For Cabbage
Cabbage is a heavy feeder. It needs lots of nitrogen to grow big, healthy leaves. Start preparing your soil a few weeks before planting.
First, test your soil pH. Cabbage prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil. If your pH is below 6.5, add lime to raise it. If it is above 7.5, add sulfur to lower it. Your local extension office can test your soil for a small fee.
Next, work in 2 to 4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. This adds organic matter and nutrients. You can also add a balanced fertilizer, like 10-10-10, at planting time. Follow the package directions for amounts.
Watering And Fertilizing
Consistent watering is crucial for cabbage. Uneven watering can cause the heads to split. Aim for 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, either from rain or irrigation. Water at the base of the plants to keep the leaves dry and prevent disease.
Fertilize cabbage every 3 to 4 weeks during the growing season. Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, like fish emulsion or a 20-10-10 blend. Side-dress the plants by sprinkling the fertilizer along the rows and watering it in.
Common Pests And Problems
Virginia gardens have their share of cabbage pests. Here are the most common ones and how to handle them:
- Cabbage worms: Small green caterpillars that eat holes in the leaves. Use row covers to keep the butterflies away. Hand pick any worms you see.
- Aphids: Tiny insects that suck sap from the leaves. Blast them off with a strong spray of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Slugs and snails: They love cool, damp weather. Set out beer traps or use diatomaceous earth around the plants.
- Clubroot: A soil-borne disease that causes swollen roots. Rotate your crops and avoid planting cabbage in the same spot year after year.
Harvesting Your Cabbage
Harvest cabbage when the heads feel firm and solid. Use a sharp knife to cut the stem at the base. Leave the outer leaves in the garden to decompose and add nutrients back to the soil.
For spring cabbage, harvest before the weather gets too hot. High temperatures can cause the heads to bolt or split. For fall cabbage, you can leave the heads in the garden until a hard freeze threatens. Cover them with a row cover if a frost is forecast.
Store harvested cabbage in the refrigerator. It will keep for several weeks if you wrap it in a plastic bag. You can also ferment cabbage into sauerkraut for long-term storage.
Succession Planting For Continuous Harvest
To extend your cabbage harvest, try succession planting. Plant a few transplants every 2 to 3 weeks in the spring. This way, you will have a steady supply of heads instead of all at once.
For fall, you can plant early, mid, and late season varieties at the same time. They will mature at different rates, giving you a longer harvest window.
Tips For Virginia Gardeners
Here are some extra tips specific to Virginia’s climate:
- Watch the humidity: Virginia summers can be humid, which promotes fungal diseases. Space your plants well to allow air flow.
- Mulch heavily: A layer of straw or shredded leaves keeps the soil cool and moist. It also helps suppress weeds.
- Protect from heat: If a heat wave hits in late spring, shade your cabbage with a row cover or shade cloth.
- Rotate your crops: Do not plant cabbage in the same spot where other brassicas (broccoli, kale, cauliflower) grew the previous year. This prevents soil-borne diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Plant Cabbage In The Summer In Virginia?
Summer is too hot for cabbage in most of Virginia. The heat causes the plants to bolt and the heads to become bitter. Stick to spring and fall plantings for the best results.
How Late Can I Plant Cabbage In Virginia For A Fall Harvest?
You can plant fall cabbage as late as mid-September in coastal areas, but early August is better for most of the state. Check your first frost date and count backwards 70 to 90 days for the variety you are growing.
Do I Need To Start Cabbage Seeds Indoors?
For spring planting, starting seeds indoors gives you a head start. For fall planting, you can direct sow seeds in the garden. Transplants are also available at garden centers if you prefer not to start seeds.
What Is The Best Cabbage Variety For Virginia?
Early Jersey Wakefield and Stonehead are both excellent choices for Virginia. They mature quickly and handle the state’s variable weather well. Red Acre is also a good option for fall planting.
Should I Cover Cabbage Plants For Frost?
Cabbage can handle light frosts without protection. If a hard freeze is forecast (below 25°F), cover the plants with a row cover or old blanket. Remove the cover during the day if temperatures rise above freezing.
Final Thoughts On Planting Cabbage In Virginia
Planting cabbage in Virginia is all about timing. Stick to the spring and fall windows, and you will have a great harvest. Remember to prepare your soil, water consistently, and watch for pests.
With a little planning, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown cabbage from your garden. Whether you use it for coleslaw, stir-fry, or sauerkraut, the taste is unbeatable. So get your seeds or transplants ready and start planting at the best time for your area.
Your local extension office is a valuable resource for specific advice. They can help with soil testing, pest identification, and variety recommendations. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them.
Happy gardening, and enjoy your cabbage crop. The effort is well worth it when you bite into a crisp, homegrown head.